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First Look

This detail set is another one of Cobra's works of art. Building upon the Monogram 1/48 F-8E Crusader, this set provides the parts necessary to backdate the Crusader to the F-8A through F-8D versions (F8U-1 through F8U-4).

Included in the kit is a new wing section that sports the earlier fuselage/wing fairing, separate leading and trailing edge flaps, a fuselage plug for the engine ductwork so the wing can be displayed in the elevated position, the earlier style radome and ejection seat, and a new innovation - white metal landing gear.

The Monogram kit's landing gear is not quite right - the completed model does not sit like the real Crusader. Cobra provides new main and nose gear struts which replicate the correct sit of the aircraft.